... “There’s less pressure to constantly perform facial expressions for everyone. Ironically, I became more expressive after covering most of my face.”
The woman nodded thoughtfully.
“I can actually see that,” she said. “Your eyes communicate a lot.”
Becca looked briefly horrified.
“Oh no,” she whispered. “So the eye-rolls are visible too?”
“Very visible.”
“Tragic.”
Later, in the city park, Becca sat near a fountain while watching people pass by.
A group of teenagers walked past her, trying unsuccessfully not to stare at the flower crown.
One boy finally whispered:
“She looks like a fantasy game character.”
Without missing a beat, Becca slowly turned toward him.
“In phase two,” she said calmly, “I summon birds.”
The entire group burst into laughter.
Even Becca’s eyes smiled above the mask. ...